Have you checked your floor vents recently?
Are you beginning to feel a chill in the air? We’re diving deeper and deeper into fall, and the weather is only going to get colder. Are you ready for chillier weather?
While we’re preparing for winter weather, it’s important to keep our pets in mind. Anyone who has a pet knows how much of a mess they can make. Messes can lead to poor indoor air quality and fuzzy furnace filters. If you have pets, here are some things to keep in mind when it comes to your heating and air conditioning equipment.
Pets lay on vents. There’s nothing like the feeling of warm air on a cold fall or winter evening. Your pets feel the same way, often lying down on vents and registers to feel that warm breeze. If this is a habit of your pet, make sure they have not accidentally closed any of them. Closing vents and registers is bad for your heating and cooling system. Your equipment is designed to heat or cool a certain amount of space. When you start closing registers and vents, you mess with that calculated load. This can reduce efficiency and system life.
Pet hair means more frequent filter changes. Pet hair can quickly block your furnace filter. Plus, the things they track indoors, along with the cleaners you use to clean up any mess, can lower indoor air quality. If you have pets, it’s a better idea to change your furnace filter as frequently as once a month (just to be safe).
Don’t leave the door open when letting your pets outside. It’s not your job to heat the neighborhood. Make sure you keep the door open briefly while letting your pets outdoors. However, make sure you have a good view of your door. You want to be able to let your pet back indoors when they are ready. chances are if you feel cold, your pet does as well.
Want to up the quality of your indoor air? Talk to your heating and air contractor about indoor air quality products – like whole-home air cleaners, humidifiers and UV lights.
Like this post? Share it!
Are you able to tell when a deal is too good to be true?
If it sounds like an HVAC contractor is offering you a deal that is too good to be true, chances are it is. When it comes to heating and air conditioning equipment, quality is key. And, quality sometimes means paying a little more upfront.
That’s not to say that there aren’t ways to get a good deal; just be smart about it. Here are some things you can check to make sure that a deal is as good as it seems.
Research the contractor giving you the quote. Make sure they have had positive experiences with past clients. Also, see if they have a good reputation on online review sites. In the digital age, it is harder than ever to run from a bad reputation.
NEVER get your equipment from a sketchy source. What is a sketchy source? One example would be an online auction – you can’t guarantee the quality and sustainability of the unit when you’re buying it online. Make sure you get your heating and air conditioning equipment from a licensed professional. This way you can be sure that your equipment is not damaged, is covered under warranty, and didn’t “fall off the back of the truck.”
Check for local and manufacturer rebates. Manufacturers and local utility companies often offer incentives for buying better, more efficient heating and air systems. You may think you can only afford a standard-efficiency system, but a system the next step up may be just as affordable when you factor in a rebate. Doing research is an important part of the buying process.
Don’t always go with rock-bottom pricing. It takes a lot of money to run a professional business. Quality contractors are up-to-date on all licenses and permits, put more time into their work and take continued training to ensure they know how to work with the latest HVAC technology. That’s not to say that all contractors who offer low prices are cutting corners – just be sure they know what they are doing.
Ask questions, get several different quotes and don’t skimp on the installation. Your heating and cooling equipment is an investment in your home comfort, and it is something that will affect your expenses every month. Find out more by scheduling a consultation with a contractor today.
Like this post? Share it!
Are you guilty of any of these bad homeowner HVAC habits?
We want our heating and air conditioning systems to last as long as possible. To do that, we’ve got to keep a few things in mind. Here are some things that you may be doing that could affect how long (and efficiently) your heating and cooling equipment operates.
- Constantly adjusting the thermostat.
The toughest part of an air conditioner or gas furnace’s job is start up and shut down. When you are constantly adjusting the thermostat, it can lead to more frequent on and off cycles. Plus, just because your home is set at a warmer temperature during the winter, doesn’t mean your furnace is going to warm up your house any more quickly. It will just run longer – causing additional wear and tear. - Planting too close to your equipment.
Blocked airflow is an efficiency and performance killer. Planting too close to your equipment cannot only cause blocked airflow, but the plants can grow into your condenser and affect components. This can result in a costly emergency repair. - Closing registers and vents.
Heating and cooling equipment is designed to heat or cool a certain amount of space. When you start closing registers and vents, this alters the amount of space being heating or cooled, making your air conditioner act as if it is improperly sized. This can lead to problems like longer run times, shorter system life and a frozen evaporator coil. This also applies to furniture placement. Make sure your furniture is not blocking registers and vents. - Using a condenser cover.
Again, this can affect airflow – decreasing system life, lengthening run times and negatively affecting comfort. - Forgetting to change the furnace filter.
Not only can a dirty filter block airflow, it can significantly lower the quality of your indoor air. Disposable filters don’t have to be an expensive purchase, and changing a filter is relatively easy to do. Try to change your filter once-a-month, but at the very least, one time per season. - DIY repairs, maintenance and installation.
If you think hiring a professional is expensive, just try and fix your HVAC equipment yourself. There is a reason why technicians go to school, attend additional trainings and carry licenses. HVAC systems are complicated pieces of equipment and require a skilled hand for installation, maintenance and repairs. - Not scheduling preventative maintenance.
The worst habit of them all. It’s good to have your contractor come out and look at your air conditioner during the spring and your gas furnace during the fall. This way they can catch minor issues before they become a big problem. Your contractor will make sure that your equipment is running as efficiently as possible, saving you money during the peak season. Contractors are even making it easier with maintenance agreements – never forget to schedule an appointment again.
Have you scheduled fall preventative maintenance yet?
Like this post? Share it!
Temperatures are starting to cool off! Have you scheduled preventative maintenance?
We can’t stress the importance of fall furnace preventative maintenance enough. There is nothing worse than expecting your furnace to kick on during a cold winter’s day and being greeted by cool air or no air at all!
Fall is the ideal time to schedule a furnace preventative maintenance appointment with your local contractor. Here’s why.
Contractors are less busy. It can be difficult to get in touch with a contractor during peak seasons. Heating and air professionals are busy answering emergency service calls day in and day out. If something goes wrong with your furnace during the winter, it could be days, or even weeks, before a contractor can make it to your home.
Catching problems before they arise. Maintenance during the fall can save headaches during the winter. Not only will this help you stay comfortable throughout the heating season, but it could end up saving you money. The cost of a service call and a minor repair is going to be a lot less than the cost of an emergency service call and a brand-new system.
Speaking of entirely new systems… Yearly clean and checks can help maximize the life of your gas furnace. Heating equipment is going to cost more than the average appliance. You want to make sure that your investment in home comfort pays off for as many years as possible.
Keep tabs on your indoor air. You can also see if your contractor inspects ductwork in addition to servicing HVAC equipment. You never know what may be lurking in your ductwork. You want to make sure harmful particles are not being distributed around your home.
An easy way to make sure you always have a fall preventative maintenance appointment on the books is to talk to your contractor about a maintenance agreement/contract. This way, you will have a standing appointment to have your equipment checked before the heating season and the cooling season.
Like this post? Share it!
Do you always remember to schedule preventative maintenance?
Winter’s chill may not be here yet for many parts of the country, but that doesn’t mean it’s too early to start thinking about your furnace. Fall is the ideal time to have your furnace inspected by your local heating and air conditioning contractor. The holiday season can be a busy time, and it may be difficult to remember to schedule a maintenance appointment. That’s why maintenance agreements can be so helpful.
It’s Murphy’s Law – if your unit is going to fail, it will at the most inconvenient time. There’s nothing more frustrating. This isn’t even taking into account that added frustration of finding a contractor who can come out to your home quickly. Contractors are very busy during the winter and summer – the peak seasons. During the peak season, you could be waiting days (or even weeks) to get your unit back up and running!
To head off this issue, most contractors offer some type of service/maintenance agreement. Typically, if you have a maintenance agreement with a contractor, they will come out to your home to inspect your system twice-a-year – once before the cooling season (during the spring) and again before the heating season (during the fall). During these appointments, your contractor will be able to find minor issues with your HVAC equipment before they have the chance to turn into bigger problems.
This can help you save money in the long run. Yes, a service call is going to cost some money, but you can make up this money in efficient performance and a longer system life.
Do some research before you hire the contractor for your maintenance agreement. Need a head start? Check out the Maytag HVAC contractor locator.
Like this post? Share it!
Do you know what you’re looking for in a new furnace?
Shopping for new heating equipment can seem like a daunting task. The life of the average furnace can span multiple decades – chances are you’ve never had to replace your system in the past. A new heating system is an investment financially and comfort-wise; you want to make sure you make the right decision.
Here are some things you should know about your furnace replacement options to help you make a better decision.
- Efficiency.
Heating and cooling equipment comes in a range of efficiencies – from minimum efficiency to high efficiency, condensing models. There are a couple of things to take into consideration when you are comparing efficiency ratings. If you live in an area that experiences mild winters, chances are you may not see the returns you’d like from an investment in an ultra-efficient model. On the other hand, if you live in an area that experiences brutally cold winters, high efficiency is the way to go. You’ll be shocked at the difference a high-efficiency gas furnace can make on your utility bills during the peak heating season. - Money Back.
There are many incentives available to homeowners who purchase new heating and cooling equipment. Many manufacturers offer rebates on high-efficiency models that can offset initial costs. There are also local utility rebates that may be available in your area for high-efficiency equipment. Make sure you ask your contractor about the money-back options available to you. - Energy Savings.
A high-efficiency furnace can help you save money each month on utilities. This can be beneficial for those who live in the North, where winters can be unforgiving. And, even minimum-efficiency gas furnaces manufactured today can be significantly more efficient than those manufactured 10 or 15 years ago. So, even if you do invest in a standard-efficiency system, you could still see savings. - Performance Features.
How loud is your furnace when it kicks on? If it sounds like a jet engine taking off, it may be time to explore your new system options. Modern furnaces contain many noise reduction features that weren’t as prevalent during the era your old furnace was manufactured. If you’re looking for extremely quiet operation, look for a unit that features an insulated cabinet and a variable-speed blower motor.
The hunt for the perfect gas furnace is a lot easier if you have a knowledgeable, professional contractor by your side. Make sure you do some research before you hire the contractor who is going to guide you through the purchasing process.
Like this post? Share it!
Do you think it’s time to replace your old furnace?
Making the decision to replace your heating equipment isn’t an easy one. Heating equipment is essential to your home comfort during the winter, but it is also expensive. You don’t want to end up replacing your unit unnecessarily, but you don’t want to be without heat during the coldest parts of the year. After all, Murphy’s Law suggests that your furnace is most likely to quit when you need it most.
If you are faced with the decision to repair or replace your old unit, here are some things to ask yourself:
- How old is my unit? The average gas furnace lasts about 20 years. If your furnace is somewhere in the 15-20 year range, and you are faced with a repair, chances are you’re just delaying the inevitable if you decide not to replace. Plus, furnaces manufactured even 10 years ago don’t include some of the amazing features modern air conditioners include – like quiet operation, more even temperatures and high efficiency. In fact, even a standard-efficiency furnace purchased today may be significantly more efficient than your old system.
- How expensive is the repair? Think of your furnace like your car – if it costs more to fix the unit that it costs to replace it, opt for replacement. Look at the cost of making repairs and weight that against the cost of replacement (don’t forget about the money-saving benefit of added efficiency and potential rebates). If you are struggling to make a replacement fit within your budget, ask your contractor about the financing options they offer.
- How high are my utility bills? If you are experiencing high heating bills during the winter, or bills that are creeping up in cost each month, it is better to replace your system. As gas furnaces age, they may lose efficiency due to regular wear and tear. So, not only will your old unit most likely have started off at a lower efficiency rating brand new, it may have lost that rated efficiency over years of use.
- How loud is my gas furnace? Loud bangs and blanks coming from your unit when it kicks on or is in operation are not a good sign. This can indicate that it is time to call a contractor and discuss a repair. If it’s determined that those noises are coming from one of the main components of your furnace, it’s best to replace.
Whether you decide to repair or replace, the process needs to start with the search for a qualified local contractor. It isn’t going to matter if you replaced your old system with a new, high-efficiency model if the installation was not done correctly. Ask friends and family for recommendations, check online review sites and get several different quotes. The cost of the multiple service calls may seem unnecessary, but if it ends up saving you money or getting a better install, it is worth it.
If you need a jumping off point, check out the Maytag dealer locator.
Like this post? Share it!
Are you ready for fall?
What’s on your home maintenance to-do list? Make sure you don’t forget about your HVAC system! If you live in an area that sees frigid temperatures, it’s important to make sure your furnace is ready for the job ahead.
Here are some things to add to your fall to-do list.
Change your temporary furnace filter or give your permanent filter a good clean. This is an easy, straightforward task you can take care of at any time. Your furnace filter is going to be located near your indoor HVAC equipment – either in your ductowrk, by a register or in the equipment cabinet. If you aren’t sure where your furnace filter is, or access is difficult, enlist the help of your contractor.
Busting out the rake? Don’t forget to rake around your outdoor equipment. Blocked airflow is an efficiency killer. Not only are those leaves bad for your lawn, but they can clog your condenser. In addition to removing the leaves from around your system, it is a good idea to schedule a good condenser cleaning. This will help you maximize the life of your equipment and achieve the greatest efficiency possible.
Feel a cool breeze? Make sure you have sealed any air leaks around your windows and/or doors. This can often be taken care of with some caulk, insulation or weather stripping. Think of the air leaking out of your home as money leaking out of your wallet. The more air escaping outside means more time spent getting your home up to temperature. It also means that your home may cool off faster, resulting in your furnace kicking on more often.
Keep safety in mind. Change the batteries in your carbon monoxide detector and smoke detectors. Do you remember the last time you changed the batteries in either of those lifesaving devices? When it comes to the safety of you and your family, it’s never worth the risk.
The most important thing to do for your HVAC system during the fall is to schedule furnace preventative maintenance with your heating and air conditioning contractor. During a fall furnace clean and check, your contractor will:
- Clean any components that need it.
- Inspect the venting system and confirm that it is operating correctly.
- Check for soot, leaks, corroded electrical contacts and frayed wires.
An inspection once-a-year is critical for the health of your equipment AND the safety of your family. Your furnace must operate correctly to keep your family comfortable and healthy during the winter. You don’t want to take any chances.
When everything is in good, working order, and temperatures have dropped for good for the season, switch your thermostat over to heating mode.
Fall is under way! Schedule an appointment with your local heating and air conditioning contractor.
Like this post? Share it!
Were you affected by any of the recent tropical storms or hurricanes?
The United States has been inundated by devastating tropical storms and hurricanes over the past month. Many communities are going to have to rebuild from the ground up – a daunting task. Maytag HVAC, along with the rest of the nation, extends our sympathies to those communities impacted by these recent events.
The Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) has released safety, repair and replacement guidelines in response to the recent storms. If your community was affected by the recent tropical storms and hurricanes, this is a must-read.
Click here to read the article.
AHRI President and CEO Stephen Yurek, advises caution. “We advise homeowners to play it safe and replace, rather than repair flood-damaged heating, cooling and water heating equipment,” says Yurek.
Many things were affected by the winds and the rains of these superstorms. This includes heating and air conditioning systems. Water-damaged HVAC equipment can be hard to detect and could put your family at risk if not treated properly. It’s important to take the proper precautions when it comes to repair and replacement. Even the slightest repositioning can result in leaks, loose electrical connections and more. If your HVAC system has been affected by water, it’s better to replace than attempt to repair. Although it may be costlier, it is the safest and, in the long run, the most cost-conscious choice.
Do not attempt to restart or fix your HVAC equipment yourself! You could end up doing more damage to your unit or hurting yourself in the process. Call your local heating and air conditioning professional. Wait times may be longer than usual considering the widespread damage, but it will be worth it.
Like this post? Share it!
Do you need some heating and air conditioning help?
There’s no two ways about it, when your air conditioner isn’t working properly, you’re not going to be a happy camper. The temptation can be to shake your first at the sky, pick up a wrench and attempt to fix it yourself.
Drop that wrench!
It’s important to know when it is appropriate to do a minor HVAC-related task, and when it is time to call in the “big guns” – A.K.A. your local contractor.
These are minor fixes you can attempt before you call a contractor. Anything beyond this should be handled by a professional.
- Make sure the system is turned on at the breaker and the outlet.
- Make sure the thermostat is set to the appropriate model – heat or cool.
- Make sure the temperature is either above the temperature outdoors (if in heating mode) or below the temperature outdoors (if in cooling mode).
- Replace your furnace filter.
- Open your registers and vents.
When to turn off your equipment and call a contractor…
- There is visual damage to your outdoor or indoor equipment.
- Furnace is on but there is no warm air blowing from your vents.
- There is visual duct damage.
- You are in heating model, but cold air is blowing from your ducts.
- Air conditioner is on, making loud noises and the fan is not blowing.
- Your air conditioner or furnace is constantly running and not reaching temperature.
Basically, when it doubt, call a professional.